2018s Top Moving Tips: The Dos and Don’ts

Looking for a change of scenery? From sunny beach houses in Florida to vibrant apartments for rent in Toronto to one-bedroom units in Chicago, moving to a new place can be troublesome at times. But moving out and settling down elsewhere can bring the much-needed change you’ve been looking for. That said, it’s not as easy as it might sound.

Whether you’re setting up in new digs across town, or relocating to another country, moving can be a stressful time. Packing up your entire life is no easy task and entrusting everything you own to a moving company can be discouraging. However, with a few tips and tricks, the whole process can go smoothly.

Don’t Leave it until the Last Minute

Arrange a moving company at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance to enjoy lower fees and to be sure the one you prefer can accommodate your needs. In the weeks leading up to your big move, start decluttering and preparing what you can for packing, aiming to have the bulk done with a week to go. This’ll save you from stressing out and rushing, and it’s less likely you’ll forget to pack whatever’s tucked away in the attic or basement.

Do Your Research When Choosing a Moving Company

By getting the professionals in, you benefit from insurance, secure packing of valuable items and a lot less heavy lifting on moving day. It’s essential that you do your research when choosing a moving company, however, so look at a number of options and cross-reference them, digging up reviews and checking the services that are being offered. Don’t just choose the cheapest—sometimes it’s worth paying a little more.

Don’t Pack Everything

Moving to a new place is the ideal time to get rid of some of the things you don’t need. Don’t be tempted to pack everything, take time to go through all your belongings, separating things into ‘keep’, ‘sell’, ‘charity’ or ‘throw away’ piles. You might make an extra buck or two while reducing your heavy load.

Do Take Measurements

Be sure to measure up the rooms in your new place—don’t take the floor plans for granted. Be sure your larger items will fit in the rooms you want them to go in and make sure bulky items can squeeze through the doorways or windows.

Don’t Pay for Unnecessary Packaging Materials

You can find a lot of fancy-looking boxes and crates online or in home stores, as well as posh bubble wrap. Forget about them and spend your hard-earned cash elsewhere. You can normally find a surplus of quality cardboard boxes and packaging materials at your local supermarket or shopping mall. Ask nicely and you shall receive!

Do Take Care with Fragile Goods

If you do choose to keep that ancient Ming vase, take care with it! In fact, most moving companies will only agree to insure your fragile goods if they themselves packed them. If you insist on doing it yourself, keep valuables safe with padding made from clothes—soft, thick scarves and hats work well. Mark each and every fragile box in big red letters and ensure that they are securely stored standing up the right way if required.

Don’t Pack Away Your Valuables

On moving day, don’t be tempted to pack all your personal documents and valuable goods away with the rest of your stuff. Moving vans can crash, destroying the contents—if your irreplaceable documents and belongings are in there, it’s unlikely you’ll see them again. Instead, carry them on your person in a secure bag.

Do Pack Strategically

It’s worth making a plan and packing strategically. This will save you a lot of stress and needless carrying when moving things into your new home. Use a color code system to ensure the right boxes end up in the right rooms—there’s no point all of your heavy books being lugged upstairs if they’re destined for the lounge. Also, make an itinerary of your belongings and check it off as everything is unloaded.

Don’t Forget to Leave a Tip

If you’ve ever hired a moving company to help you with the heavy lifting and transporting of your belongings, you’ll know how hard the guys work. A good moving company will save you from physical strain and mental stress—so be sure to thank them. Leave a tip or a crate of beer, or perhaps get the pizza in at the end of the day!

Overall, finding your next apartment or moving into a new house shouldn’t be the stressful chore that everyone makes it out to be. Sure, you’re going to have to pack your life away into boxes, but it’s well worth it in the long run. With plenty of preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve, it’s smooth sailing all the way.